President Bola Tinubu has appealed to religious and spiritual leaders across Africa to speak against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
He made the appeal on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, an annual gathering marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and honouring the founder of the Tijjaniyya Sufi order.
Tinubu’s message was delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, an administrator representing the President at official events.
Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars and spiritual leaders from Nigeria and beyond, Tinubu said religious leaders carry an important responsibility in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith.
“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty. Your institutions and networks must become stronger in the advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the formation of upright young men and women,” he said.
He added: “You must also remind political leaders of justice, responsibility and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances must never become permission for lawlessness or violence. Above all, our spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no genuine service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred.”
Tinubu Cites Global Crisis, Praises Tijjaniyya’s Reach Across Africa
Tinubu referenced a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, saying the scale of global crises makes the role of spiritual leaders increasingly vital.
He said the Tijjaniyya community, with its extensive networks across West Africa, North Africa and beyond, holds relationships and moral influence that could support reconciliation, counter violent extremism and guide young people across the Sahel and West Africa.
“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria. It also means that religious communities with deep transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, can be valuable partners in building an architecture of social peace that complements the work of governments and regional institutions,” Tinubu said.
The President’s appeal came the same weekend the Nigerian Air Force announced it had killed a senior ISWAP commander and eight other fighters in an airstrike in Borno State, underlining the security backdrop against which his message to religious leaders was delivered.
Scholars and spiritual leaders travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries for the Maulud.
Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation helped organise the event, describing him as a teacher, a father and an advocate of peace and piety whose absence was felt at the gathering.
He thanked the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, and the Kano State Government for hosting the event, and prayed for the safe return of visiting scholars to their home countries.
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